Deputy Head Teacher

Could you be our new Deputy Head Teacher, leading Curriculum Development and acting as our dedicated SENDCo? We’re looking for a passionate and experienced leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Head Teacher, with a key focus on shaping our curriculum and championing inclusive education as our school’s SENDCo.

We’re looking for a dedicated and inspiring leader to drive high standards across our curriculum and ensure every pupil receives the tailored support they need to thrive. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a school community where ambition, inclusion, and care go hand in hand.

You’ll play a vital role in designing and developing a curriculum that not only supports academic excellence but also recognises and nurtures the individuality of every pupil. You’ll ensure that our curriculum reflects the diverse needs of our pupils, offering both challenge and support, so that each child can grow in confidence and capability.

At the very heart of the school, your role as SENDCo will be central to our inclusive ethos. You’ll be a key driver of support and innovation, helping us remove barriers to learning and promoting an environment where every pupil, regardless of need, is seen, supported, and celebrated. From working with children with autism, ADHD, and communication challenges to supporting emotional and social development, you’ll bring compassion and expertise to every corner of our school.

Your impact will extend beyond the pupils you support directly. As a valued Senior Leader, you’ll work closely with team members across the school coaching, guiding, and equipping them with the knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality, inclusive teaching. You’ll also build strong partnerships with families and outside agencies, creating a cohesive and collaborative network of support.

This is more than a leadership post; it’s an opportunity to become an integral part of a dedicated, ambitious, and values-driven school. With your added leadership, our school will continue to grow as a place where every pupil’s needs are met, every voice is heard, and every achievement is celebrated.

A day in the life of a Deputy Head Teacher will involve:

• You’ll work closely with the Headteacher to shape and implement the school’s vision, leading on curriculum and inclusion while aligning provision with Ofsted standards and the school’s development goals. Your leadership will help embed a culture of high expectations, inclusivity, and continuous improvement across the whole school.
• You’ll oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of a broad, balanced, and engaging curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, particularly those with SEND. This includes ensuring lessons are accessible, differentiated, and support a range of learning styles and needs, while promoting consistent academic and personal progress.
• As SENDCo, you’ll lead the development, implementation, and review of EHCPs, working closely with pupils, team members, and external professionals. You’ll conduct assessments, track progress, and ensure every child receives the personalised support needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
• You’ll mentor and train team members, equipping them with the tools and strategies to meet diverse pupil needs. At the same time, building strong, trusting relationships with families offering regular updates, advice, and training to help them support their children’s learning and wellbeing at home.
• You’ll manage resources and oversee team member performance to ensure a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment. By fostering close collaboration between education, therapeutic teams, and external agencies, you’ll help create a unified support system focused on the success and wellbeing of every pupil.

To be a successful Deputy Head Teacher you’ll need:

• A degree and Qualified Teacher status, with at least 2 years of management experience in an educational setting, particularly working with SEMH/SEBD/Autism.
• Prior experience in SEND settings and a willingness to pursue further qualifications in SEND (if not already qualified).
• Strong understanding of the curriculum, safeguarding procedures, and knowledge of Ofsted/KCSiE standards.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire staff, with excellent communication skills and a track record of managing resources effectively.
• Confidence in using data for self-evaluation, setting targets, and problem-solving, paired with strong analytical skills.
• A motivated, empathetic, and flexible mindset, aligned with the core values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork.

In return for your time, you’ll get:

• Holidays – You’ll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid the additional 12.8 weeks whilst you’re off.
• Pension scheme – Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
• Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.
• Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support.
• Cycle2Work - The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
• DBS – As this role requires you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
• After 12 months service - You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.

At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.